Among the population of India, vegan street food holds a special place, not only for its mouthwatering flavors but also for its cultural and ethical significance. In short, India has an abundance of vegan street food, and is arguably the best cuisine in the world when it comes to veganism. However, there are some pitfalls you should look out for.
Why Many Indians Are Vegans: India’s affinity for veganism and vegetarianism is deeply rooted in its cultural, religious, and historical makeup. Predominantly influenced by Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, many Indians adopt a plant-based diet due to spiritual beliefs that emphasize non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. Additionally, Ayurveda, India’s ancient medicinal system, advocates for a vegetarian diet for its health benefits, further ingraining plant-based eating into the societal fabric.
Popular Vegan Indian Street Foods:
- Pani Puri (Golgappa): These are puffed hollow puris filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas.
- Bhel Puri: A savory snack made of puffed rice, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
- Masala Dosa: A thin, crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes.
- Chana Masala: A spicy chickpea curry typically served with bread or rice.
- Aloo Tikki: These spiced potato patties are often served with various chutneys.
- Sabudana Vada: A deep-fried snack made from sago/tapioca pearls and mashed potatoes, often eaten during fasting periods.
- Mysore Bonda: Deep-fried spicy potato balls, originating from South India, served with coconut chutney.
- Undhiyu: A Gujarati mixed vegetable dish cooked in earthen pots, it contains a variety of vegetables and is seasoned with local spices.
- Mirchi Bajji: Large green chilies dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried, typically served with chutneys or stuffed with spices.
Common Misconceptions – Non-Vegan Indian Foods: While many Indian street foods are inherently vegan, some popular dishes may contain hidden non-vegan ingredients:
- Samosas: Often vegan, but sometimes filled with minced meat or paneer (Indian cheese).
- Naan Bread: Traditionally made with yogurt and sometimes brushed with butter.
- Jalebi: A sweet, deep-fried dessert that typically contains ghee (clarified butter) and sometimes yogurt.
Indian vegan street food exhibits remarkable regional diversity, each area of India offers slightly different vegan street food:
- North India: Known for its spicy chaats and samosas, North India offers delights like Rajma Chawal (rice with kidney beans) and Aloo Tikki (spiced potato patties).
- South India: Famous for its dosas and uttapams, South Indian vegan street food includes dishes like Masala Dosa (stuffed with spiced potatoes) and Idli (steamed rice cakes).
- East India: Puchka (a variant of Pani Puri) and Jhalmuri (a spicy puffed rice snack) are popular in regions like West Bengal and Odisha, reflecting the influence of local spices and flavors.
- West India: States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are known for their savory snacks, including Dhokla (steamed chickpea flour cakes) and Pav Bhaji (spiced vegetable mash served with bread rolls), often prepared in vegan-friendly ways.
Whether you are a strict vegan or simply a lover of vibrant, flavorful food, the streets of India offer a treasure trove of plant-based delights that tantalize the taste buds and nourish the soul.
